It must seem entirely too early to discuss next year's NFL draft. After all, the 2005 draft wrapped up just one week ago. But don't tell that to NFL scouts, who already have begun measuring, timing, prodding and poking senior prospects on campuses across the country. At this very moment, all 32 NFL personnel departments are collecting as much data as possible in an attempt to compile an initial list of legitimate draft prospects.

Not to be outdone, our scouts offer a preseason look ahead at the 2006 NFL draft landscape. The following list is broken down by position, with top-junior prospects included. Brief analysis on the top-five prospects at each position is also provided.

*underclassmen.

Quarterbacks1. Matt Leinart, USCSouthpaw is a big, accurate quarterback with exceptional leadership skills and poise. Lacks ideal arm strength and athleticism. Shoulder injury is a concern. How will he respond without coordinator Norm Chow? 2. Chris Leak*, FloridaHas the size, arm strength and athletic ability but lacks the consistency, mechanics and toughness. Can new coach Urban Meyer refine him?

3. Omar Jacobs*, Bowling GreenExploded onto the national scene as a first-year starter in 2004, when he threw for 4,002 yards and rushed for 300 more. Is unpolished but possesses all the physical tools to make it in the NFL.

4. Charlie Whitehurst, ClemsonA strong-armed quarterback with lots of upside, but must rebound after an embarrassing campaign as a junior in 2004.

5. Bruce Gradkowski, ToledoA tough quarterback with adequate size and arm strength. Efficient but most of his throws are underneath. Is he a product of the system?

Whenever he decides to come out, Reggie Bush will be high on every team's draft board.Running backs1. Reggie Bush*, USCHis 2,330 total yards were good for fifth in the nation in 2004. The complete package, Bush can run, catch and return. He'll be a top-10 pick if he leaves school early. 2. DeAngelo Williams, MemphisInjury in the GMAC Bowl played a part in Williams' decision to return to Memphis for senior season. If he recovers fully, Williams should be a first-round selection.

3. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota Rushed for 1,348 yards while splitting carries with Marion Barber III in 2004. With Barber III off to the NFL, Maroney should explode as the Gophers' primary ball carrier in 2005.

4. Leon Washington, Florida StateSize and durability concerns will hurt Washington's draft stock, but his quickness, versatility and speed give him a good chance to come off the board on day one.

5. Michael Bush*, LouisvilleWith Lionel Gates and Eric Shelton moving on to the NFL, Bush should shine as the Cardinals' premier back in 2005.

Wide receivers1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio StateHe won't have huge numbers in the run-heavy Ohio State offensive scheme, but adequate size, blazing speed and exceptional playmaking skills make Holmes the elite receiver in the 2006 draft class at this point. 2. Derek Hagan, Arizona StateA big receiver with great hands and route-running skills. He lacks elite speed but is quick and fluid. If he can come anywhere near his 83-catch performance in 2004, Hagan will solidify a spot in the first round of next year's draft.

3. Martin Nance, Miami-OhioA big receiver with above-average speed for his size. If he can stay healthy as a senior, Nance could emerge as a late-first-round prospect in the 2006 draft.

4. Greg Lee*, PittsburghLee had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2004, when he finished sixth in the nation with 1,297 receiving yards. Another season like that and it will be awfully tempting to take off for the NFL.

5. Andre Caldwell*, FloridaCaldwell didn't get as many touches as he should have in 2004, but he is clearly the premier prospect in what shapes up as a deep stable of Gators' receivers. He lacks ideal size, but his speed and run-after-catch ability make him awfully intriguing.

Tight ends1. Marcedes Lewis, UCLALewis might have been the first tight end taken in the 2005 draft. If he continues to improve his bulk and strength, he could be a top-20 pick in 2006. 2. Leonard Pope*, GeorgiaPope is inexperienced and somewhat raw, but his exceptional combination of size and athletic ability makes him a possible first-round selection if he elects to leave school after his junior season.

3. Matt Herian, NebraskaHerian lacks ideal size and needs to rebound from the injury that plagued him in 2004, but he's a tough blocker and reliable receiver with a knack for getting open. However, it should be noted he has missed all of spring practice and there even are rumblings he could redshirt next fall and return to the field in 2006.

Offensive tackles1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, VirginiaAn elite prospect who likely would have been a top-five pick in 2005. He has exceptional feet, balance and technique. Once considered undersized, the 6-6 prospect has now bulked up to 305 pounds. 2. Eric Winston, Miami-Fla.Winston has an outstanding combination of size, feet and strength. If he fully recovers from injury, Winston should be a top-15 draft pick.

3. Jonathan Scott, TexasA monstrous prospect with all the physical tools of a first-rounder. As a senior in 2005, he must improve his technique and become more physical.

4. Marcus McNeil, AuburnComing off his best season as a junior in 2004. A right tackle prospect with decent feet, great size and strength.

5. Jeremy Trueblood, Boston CollegeAnother efficient tough guy in a long line of Boston College offensive linemen. Trueblood lacks ideal athletic ability, but his frame is impressive at 6-8, 315 pounds.

Offensive guards1. Davin Joseph, OklahomaThe Sooners had three senior starters (Jammal Brown, Wes Sims and Vince Carter) who stole the attention last season, but the film shows that Joseph was the best of the bunch. If he can build on last season, Joseph will be the first interior offensive lineman to come off the board in 2006. 2. Max-Jean Gilles, GeorgiaThe Massive mauler made the wise decision to return for his senior season. Needs to stay in shape and continue to improve his feet.

3. Mike Jones*, IowaJones will be a three-year starter and he's already drawing comparisons to Robert Gallery. At 6-4, 304 pounds, however, Jones will likely play inside in the NFL.

4. Aaron Lips, Louisiana TechUnheralded guard prospect with good size (6-5, 309) and impressive feet. Is better in pass protection than he is as a run blocker.

5. Mark Setterstrom, MinnesotaLacks ideal size, but is tough, quick and efficient. Would fit best on a team that emphasizes athleticism over size and strength, such as the Broncos or Colts.

Centers1. Greg Eslinger, MinnesotaClearly the top center prospect in the 2006 draft class. He still needs to improve his bulk, but his feet, intelligence, technique and athleticism are unparalleled at this position in college football. 2. Mike Degory, FloridaHas great size, toughness, intelligence and strength but lacks elite athletic ability, which is why he projects as a second-round prospect in 2006.

3. Kyle Young*, Fresno StateWill be a third-year starter as a junior in 2005. Has great size, adequate feet and mauling qualities in the running game.

4. Donovan Raiola, WisconsinWill anchor a line that loses four starters to the NFL. In typical Wisconsin fashion, Raiola is a tough-guy with good technique and strength. If he can bulk up and improve his consistency in pass protection, he has a chance to be a day-one draft pick in 2006.

5. Ryan Cook, New MexicoCook is a little bit of a sleeper. He will be a third-year starter as a senior in 2005 and his massive frame (6-7, 339) makes him an intriguing NFL prospect, either at center or tackle.

Defensive ends1. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston CollegeFinished tied for fifth nationally with 11.5 sacks as a junior in 2004. If he continues to get bigger and stronger, Kiwanuka could be a top-10 pick in 2006. 2. Loren Howard, NorthwesternHad trouble staying healthy in 2004, but is primed for a bounce-back season as a senior. Rare combination of size and athleticism makes him first-round material.

3. Mario Williams*, NC StateA fast-rising junior with a great frame (6-7, 265) and above average athletic ability. If he has a strong 2005 campaign, it could be off to the NFL.

4. Eric Henderson, Georgia TechInjuries hampered Henderson in 2004, but he's a big-time prospect with the athletic ability, strength and instincts to have a huge season as a senior.

5. Baraka Atkins, Miami-FLHas a good blend of size and speed. Led the Hurricanes with five sacks in 2004, but has yet to reach his full potential.

Defensive tackles1. Rodrique Wright, TexasFailed to live up to the hype in 2004, but has the physical tools to bust out as a senior next season. If he can improve his technique and motor, Wright can be the first DT off the board in 2006. 2. Gabe Watson, MichiganMassive DT/NT prospect had a breakout season in 2004 and should only continue to improve with more experience as a senior. Could be a high selection for a team in search of a 3-4 nose tackle in next year's draft.

3. Orien Harris, Miami-Fla.Has first-round tools but disappeared as a junior last season. At a crossroads right now; needs to recharge the motor and improve his technique as a senior.

4. Haloti Ngata, OregonConsidered leaving after his junior season, but made the wise decision to return to Eugene, Ore., in 2005. Has a great combo of size, strength and quickness, but needs to improve his technique and recognition skills.

5. LeKevin Smith, NebraskaLast-minute decision to return to school should pay off. Smith lacks elite size but has the quickness, toughness and strength to become an impact interior defensive lineman in the NFL. He has experience as a DT and NT, as well as in a one-gap and two-gap scheme.

Inside linebackers1. Ahmad Brooks*, VirginiaBrooks is my preseason top-rated defensive prospect. He has all the physical tools and has been terrifically coached by former NFL linebacker guru Al Groh. Brooks should be a top-five selection in the 2006 draft. 2. A.J. Hawk, Ohio StateHawk could probably play inside or weak-side linebacker in the NFL. He is one of the most instinctive and toughest linebackers in college football. Questions regarding his speed were also answered when scouts timed his 40-yard dash in the 4.5s during his spring workout on campus.

4. D'Qwell Jackson, MarylandJackson emerged as an elite collegiate linebacker as a sophomore in 2003, and didn't disappoint with 124 tackles as a junior last season. Undersized, he might need to move outside in the NFL, but if he continues to improve on his production as a senior, Jackson should be a shoo-in as a day one pick in next year's draft.

5. Freddie Roach, AlabamaRoach lacks ideal speed and athletic ability, but he's instinctive and tough versus the run. He projects as either an inside linebacker or strong-side linebacker in the NFL, likely as a late-day one draft selection.

Chad Greenway is a natural run stopper with the potential to be an effective pass rusher.Outside linebackers1. Chad Greenway, IowaHe lacks ideal bulk and is more effective working forward and laterally than he is turning and running in coverage. However, Greenway is strong and physical versus the run. He can take on blocks and shows great instincts in run support. He also has the speed to be an effective pass rusher at the next level. 2. Ernie Sims*, Florida StateSims is an ornery defender with a mean streak unmatched in college football right now. He needs to add bulk to his frame in order to project as a linebacker in the NFL, which is why there's a good chance the 2005 season won't be his last in Tallahassee.

3. H.B. Blades*, PittsburghAnother in the long line of Blades with NFL tools. H.B. led the Panthers with 108 tackles last season and will be back to wreak havoc as a junior in 2005. He lacks ideal height (5-11), but is well-built (245 pounds) and athletic. He also hits like a truck.

4. LaMarr Woodley*, MichiganA DE/OLB tweener who would fit best as a rush linebacker in the NFL. Coming off a huge sophomore season with 16 tackles for loss. If he can improve on that production in 2005, the NFL might call his name.

5. Will Derting, Washington StateOverachiever with versatility. He has experience inside and outside. Has the recognition skills, quickness and toughness to develop into a starting MLB in the NFL. Also has the instincts and burst to provide pass rush help.

Cornerback1. Antonio Cromartie*, Florida StateCromartie has better speed and athleticism than former teammate Bryant McFadden, who was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. Cromartie has such good athleticism, speed and ball skills (4 INTs in 2004), the 'Noles are giving him some reps at wide receiver during spring ball. 2. Jimmy Williams, Virginia TechWilliams was overshadowed by senior secondary-mates Vincent Fuller and Eric Green last season, but he clearly was the most talented of the group and finished with a team-high five interceptions. Williams will get his due respect in 2005 when opposing quarterbacks avoid him like the plague. Williams has the potential to develop into a shutdown cover corner in the NFL, which is why he projects as a first-round draft pick in 2006.

3. Devin Hester*, Miami-Fla.One of the most explosive and versatile weapons in college football. He led the Hurricanes in interceptions and also returned three punts and one kickoff for touchdowns in 2004.

4. William Blackmon, Boston CollegeBlackmon has explosive speed and is one of the most impressive all-around athletes in the 2006 draft class. He has spent most of his collegiate days at cornerback and as a return specialist, but there's a good chance that Blackmon moves full time to the wide receiver position in 2005.

5. Darrell Hunter, Miami-OhioHunter is flying under the radar right now and is not likely to get picked on much as a senior in 2005, with Alphonso Hodge's moving on to the NFL. However, Hunter racked up six interceptions over the course of the last two seasons and is known as the fastest player in his program's history, as he was clocked at 4.29 in the 40-yard dash.

Safeties1. LaRon Landry*, LSULandry wasted little time transitioning to the collegiate level, as he took over as a full-time starter during his true freshman season in 2003 and became a vital cog on a Tigers' defense that led the team to a BCS national title. Landry is a versatile playmaker with above average range in coverage and exceptional strength and tackling skills in run support. Should he elect to leave school after the 2005 season, Landry will likely be the first safety drafted in 2006. 2. Darnell Bing, USC*Bing is a standout safety prospect with the versatility to play in the box and deep down the middle in the NFL. He has excellent size and fills hard in run support. What he lacks in terms of top-end speed he makes up for with instincts and ball skills in coverage.

3. Jason Allen, TennesseeAllen reversed his decision to turn pro at the eleventh hour. While he would have been a day-one selection, his stock should only rise with another year at the collegiate level. Allen is athletic and tough, but the DC/FS tweener needs to become more consistent in his reads and as an open-field tackler.

4. Michael Huff, TexasHuff benefited from his 2004 move from cornerback to safety, where he is able to mask his lack of elite hip fluidity, while highlighting his instincts and toughness. If Huff continues to thrive at the safety position as a senior, he'll solidify a spot on day one of next year's draft.

5. Nate Salley, Ohio StateSalley is a centerfielder-type free safety with adequate size, good range and developing ball skills. If he can become more consistent as an open-field tackler in 2005, Salley's chances of getting drafted on the first day of next year's draft will be good.

Looking ahead to next year's draft is pretty fruitless at this point. It's fun to speculate who are going to be the top prospects next year. I figure about half of the top prospects will remain that way a year from now, and the other half will slip into the latter rounds, some will go undrafted, and many of the other top prospects will come out of nowhere. After all, Shawne Merriman is a perfect example of an under the radar player. Alex Smith, although touted somewhat coming into the season, few would have guessed that he would have been the #1 pick a year ago. Rodgers or Leinart were much stronger candidates.

We'll see. I'll try to keep my eyes on the DE class since I have a good feeling that based on the way this year's roster is set up, it will be our top choice in 2006.

I know the falcon's did not draft an off linemen in the top rounds but I thought I read somewhere where the players the falcon's were interested were off the board when they picked so they went receiver at least in the first.Maybe I am mixing that up with def end? Your right the players we keep an eye out for now probably half won't be in the first round or possbily second.The draft is iffy at best when your at this point with a whole another year to go.It is to bad a def end could not be drafted in the top rounds since I do not think chauncey davis will be anything but a situational pass rusher.Most of the time it takes one year to groom these players and now the falcon's do not have anyone to put in if they get rid of brady smith after this year.Then there is the dallas cowboys getting ware,spears and chris canty all in one draft.Sometimes the draft just falls in place for some teams.

Yeah, DAL really got a huge jump on switching to the 3-4. They might be able to be effective initially, but down the road they are going to be very tough. Spears and Canty are solid DEs who are perfect for the 3-4. Ferguson will be solid anchor at NT as well. I also like the addition of Burnett to eventually play opposite Ware at OLB. Those two could be a very stout duo.

I'm not too worried about the OL as much as some are. I would have liked to see a DE, but I think our offense really needs the quality WRs to make this offense truly explosive. Vick, Dunn, and Crump are the only explosive weapons we have, and they can't always do the amazing on every play. I think they are going to make a concerted effort to get the passing game going this year which will make this offense many times better. It will also make this OL look a lot better.

I think the key for our passing offense rests in two players: Price and Jenkins. I have no high hopes for either Dez White, Roddy White, or Finneran. I believe we've seen the best of two of those guys, and White is unlikely to get many reps this year, nor is he likely to do much when he does since rookie WRs usually struggle.

We need Price to play better. We need Jenkins to play better. I've never been superbly high on Jenkins ability. I thought he was a reach last year, but we're stuck with him, and my hope is that his play will improve. I think he should earn the starting job this year. If not, then I'm really going to start to question his ability. If a 1st round pick cannot beat out a career backup WR by his 2nd season, then what does that say?

Price has a lot more ability than he's shown. And unfortunatley for him, he has lacked having a decent No. 2 wideout beside him. Maybe that will become Jenkins. If so, I think we can see Price's play improve significantly. Will he put up huge numbers like he did in '02? Doubtful. We're a running team that isn't going to throw a lot with Vick under center. But I think Price needs to show stronger dedication, and he needs to simply just start playing better.

I definitely agree that Price is going to have to step up and make a solid contribution. The media down hear has made Price sound angry of the last two 1st round WR picks, which would be understandable. However, he needs to look at this as a wake up call to show that he is the best on this team. I disagree that Jenkins has to be the other WR to step up. I think Dez is the one who needs to show something or get cut. If he looks better in camp, he might have a chance at hanging around. It would be nice to have him (performing) so that the younger guys can continue to develop. Jenkins needs to beat out Finn though for the 3rd WR job. He has superior talent and could make a nice contribution where Finn simply doesn't have the tools. Roddy, IMO, will eventually replace Price, but he needs time to grow. I have a feeling though that he will become our top WR. He seems to have all the abilities to be a very good WR. It's just a matter of him getting enough time to hone his skills. I would be very pleasantly surprised if he is able to make a contribution this season though. But I wouldn't put it past him. It would also be nice for one of these UDFAs or camp-invitees to make the team. I guess it depends on how many WRs they want on the roster.

I have little to no faith in Dez White. When we signed him last year, I made the comment that I thought he was a longshot to even make the roster. I ended up being wrong, but it illustrates how little faith I have in White and his ability. Sure, he is quite talented with his combo of size and speed, but that's all he is: a journeyman with size and speed.

You could say White is due to make a bigger splash this year because last season was his first in the offense and like the rest of our WRs he should be able to hit the ground running this year. And that would be true. But I believe that White had the best head start among the WRs last year since the lure of him last year was that he played in a similar offense in Chicago but the rhetoric was that he was just "misused."

White has started for much of his career, but it's the same reasons why Chris Calloway, Shawn Jefferson, Trevor Gaylor, and many other mundane Falcon receivers have started in the past, because the team had no one else better, not because his ability reflects the talent of a starting WR in the NFL. He is on his best days a decent No. 2 option, but his best days are very very rare, and might happen once or twice a year. Most days however he is a competent No. 3 or No. 4 guy that is just a situational player.

I'm a bit curious why a career underachiever like Dez White gets a pass while Price is villified (by many, not necessarily you) as if he is the devil incarnate, when he does more for this team and offense with his left shoe than White does ever with his entire body. Am I too harsh?...

I don't think you're too harsh. I'm not really a fan of Dez's either, but I am a glass-half-full kinda guy who wants to believe that there is a reason why McKay and co. wanted him in the first place. I seem to remember that it was that Dez had played in a similar offense, but it was that the personel folks for ATL felt he was the type of WR that would do well in this offense. I think there are a multitude of reasons why he obviously missed the mark last season. 1) The installation of a new offense (actually only 30% of it) made it difficult on Dez and his teammates to really take off in the passing game. 2) Vick would not hang in the pocket long enough for the play to really develop. There are probably even more reasons that only the coaches and players could really point out. My feeling is not that Dez will all of a sudden become this hot WR for us. But I do believe that he has the abilities and experience to be a decent #2 WR in this run-1st offense. That will never equate to much because we have this nice 3-headed beast in Dunn-Vick-Duckett leading the league in rushing. But all us fans and the team realize they will never get as far as we'd really like without a more balanced offense.

Just an aside, I have a feeling that Dunn and the RBs are going to see a lot more passes this year, and it's going to make a pretty big impact on the offense's success.

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